What to Expect From Your First Massage
02/02/2026 6:00pm
If you’ve never had a massage before, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure.
Questions like:
What do I wear?
Will it hurt?
What actually happens during a session?
You’re not alone in wondering these things.
As a licensed massage therapist in Annapolis, MD, I wanted to write this blog to be able to walk someone through exactly what to expect, so you can feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed before you even walk in.
Before Your Session
Booking your first massage is simple.
If you’re not sure what to choose, I always recommend starting with a 60-minute session. This gives us plenty of time to make sure your body has time to actually relax and let go. I offer Flow 60 and Harmony 60, two perfect introductions to massage. Flow 60 is a 60 minute customized full body massage using primarily Swedish techniques (long flowing strokes) where pressure is adjusted to your preference. Harmony 60 is similar to Flow 60, but is only focused on the upper body. You’ll get work on your entire back, your arms, as well as your head, neck, and shoulders (some of the main areas of tension for most people!).
You’ll be asked to fill out a health intake form beforehand as well, as this gives me time to look it over and ask questions before the work begins. Certain medications, conditions, etc. might cause us to need to adjust some aspects of the massage, which I’m always happy to do!
What to wear:
Wear whatever you’re comfortable in. You’ll be able to undress to your comfort level during the session, and you’ll always be properly draped (covered with a sheet). If you’re receiving a sports massage or some assisted stretching, you may be able to wear clothing that you can easily move in, and undressing may not be necessary.
When You Arrive
When you arrive, you’ll step into a calm, quiet space designed to help you slow down.
We’ll start with a brief conversation about:
Areas of tension or discomfort
Your stress levels
Any preferences (pressure, focus areas, etc.)
This helps me tailor your session specifically to you.
During Your Massage
This is where most of the uncertainty comes in—so let’s make it simple.
Privacy & Comfort
After our conversation and health intake, I will leave the room and you’ll have the chance to undress to your comfort level and lie on the massage table under a sheet and soft blanket before I re-enter.
Only the area of the body being worked on will ever be uncovered.
Pressure
Massage should never feel overwhelming.
We’ll adjust the pressure to your preference—whether that’s light, moderate, or deeper work. “No pain=No gain” is a wild myth that I love to prove wrong. :)
Communication
This is YOUR massage, so you’re always in control. You can ALWAYS:
Ask for more or less pressure
Request focus on a specific area
Speak up if anything feels uncomfortable or painful
Choose quiet or light conversation
After Your Session
After your massage, most people feel:
deeply relaxed
able to move easier and with less pain
more grounded
You might also feel slightly sore in certain areas the following day which is also normal, especially if deeper work was done.
Aftercare tips:
Drink lots of water - massage improves/increases circulation of not only blood but also lymphatic fluids, and staying hydrated helps your body process the extra fluid movement.
Move gently - again, this helps with circulation but also teaching your muscles that it’s ok to be in this position, and not feel the need to tighten back up again immediately.
Give yourself time to rest if possible - soak it all in. Marinate in it that relaxation!
My Approach to Massage
Every session I offer is centered around nervous system support and whole-body healing.
This isn’t a rushed or routine experience. You won’t see me with back to back clients because it’s important to me to be able to truly focus on you and what you need.
Your session can include a blend of:
relaxation massage
deeper, targeted work
tension relief
assisted stretching
PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation)
energy work (Reiki)
aromatherapy
hot or cold therapy (hot towels or stones, ice massage, etc.)
Please don’t stress about choosing the “perfect” service—your session will always be customized to what your body needs that day, regardless.
Who This Is For
Massage therapy can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing:
chronic stress or burnout
muscle tension or tightness
overwhelm or fatigue
chronic illness or nervous system dysregulation
Or if you simply need space to rest and reset.
Ready to Book Your First Session?
If you’ve been thinking about trying massage, this is your sign to start. I offer different therapeutic massage and bodywork options at Solvi Wellness, in my shared office suite in Annapolis, MD.
I recommend beginning with a Flow 60 or Harmony 60, and we’ll take care of the rest together.
💛 All new clients will receive $30 off their first session (limited time)